Xnera and I have talked about it this weekencd and she is going to nail down the location and I'll take care of the logistics from there. We had over 10 people at dkw's this weekend so I'm thinking 30-40 people is not an unreasonable estimate. If you have already arranged for vactaion time please post again. I'll try to get a spreadsheet going this time.
Now I can't remember what activities you guys were interested in. So thrown them out there. I'm plannning on making most activities optional but having one or two main activities scheduled per day.
I'll dig up the old threads to look for relevant bits, but as I recall it was getting hard to find the relevant stuff in the sidetracks.
AJ
Posted by Taalcon (Member # 839) on :
I'll do whatever Kama does.
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
A Cubs game
A trip downtown for stuff like museums, Navy Pier, the Sears tower etc
I don't remember any the other stuff that was mentioned.
Posted by raventh1 (Member # 3750) on :
oooh ooh! *raises hand* Museum trip like in Ferris Bueller's Day Off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :
with mooselet and superstation coming, we might consider the children's museum in navy peir. it's WAY cool, with fun toys not only the kids but the engineers would enjoy.
Ni!
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
I second the museum/Sears Tower thing. I also want to eat real Chicago style pizza, and other artery clogging foods! Maybe see the Michael Jordan statue they put up (because they wanted to compete with the Rocky statue)...um, what else is there to do in Chicago? Get mugged? Ride the El?
Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :
I'm flexible as to the agenda. I just want to meet some Jatraqueros and see some Chicago.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
quote:I'll do whatever Kama does.
*wants a trip downtown*
Oh, I also mentioned I'm planning on cooking a Polish meal and maybe showing you a Polish movie (with subtitles), if you're interested.
[ February 24, 2004, 02:28 AM: Message edited by: Kama ]
Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :
With all this talk of flexibility and Kama, I'm happy with the agenda.
Though perhaps we can consider an adult dance night? There must be some good clubs out there. And someone needs to teach me rhythm.
And as much as I love Tom, I'd like to pre-emptively strike down the idea of coloring books.
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
I liked Tom's idea of the group reading of The Eye of Argon.
I call dibs on Servo.
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
Is that the Servo that the character on MST3K is named after?
Posted by knightswhosayni! (Member # 4096) on :
Ni!
Posted by knightswhosayni! (Member # 4096) on :
if we get chicago style pizza, we MUST get Giordano's. They make the best pizza ever.
Ni!
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
All right, the more I hear these ideas, the more I think we should also look into a downtown hotel; it sounds like people are expecting to spend a decent amount of time sightseeing. Would someone like me to call on pricing, based on an estimate of 14 rooms or so?
Posted by Thunder's Core Smith (Member # 6234) on :
Look at the W. It's pricey, but not. They were one of the only places we could find that didn't care how many people you put in a room. They were also less than 2 blocks from Navy Pier.
Granted, it is a lot like staying in a night club. Dance music in the lobby, dance music in the elevators, dance music in the bathrooms. Oh, right, the bathrooms! They had shutters instead of doors, so there really wasn't any sound insulation. We're all close enough to not care, right?
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
You know I plan on attending, AJ. If all goes well this year. So list me on your spreadsheet. One, possibly two, teens with me.
Outside activities -- that's what I vote for. Even if it is just a walk through downtown. I get antsy being cooped up inside all the time.
Farmgirl
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I can't make it, of course, but Chicago boasts a fantastic Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium and a planetarium are fairly close to the museum. If I were coming, my vote would be for going to at least one of these places.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
Swing Dancing! Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Swing dancing is so 1998.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I think we should plan a few weddings of various Hatrackers while we're there. dkw can do the ceremony.
C'mon...at least a few people renewing their vows in front of the most important community in their lives...
No?
Okay, let's go to the museums.
BTW, my vacation is already scheduled.
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
I'll gladly have dkw preside over the inductions into my Hoochie Stable.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Bob - if you organise Australia-Chicago air fares for Tony and I, I'll see what I can organise about an Australian Hatrack wedding...
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I'm coming. I'm bringing BB. (Actually, I think her name is Stephanie, but that's not definite yet.) I haven't absolutely decided whether or not to bring the other 2 kiddies. I guess that depends on whether I can talk my Dad into coming. Have I mentioned he's a HUGE Card fan, too?
I'm not picky about activities, but anyone hanging out with me (or allowing me to hang out with them) will just have to wait if I need to sit down in the park and feed the kid.
Adult dance night, I'm sure, would be a lot of fun for most of you. Since I can't leave the baby, though, I'll be the babysitter. Anyone wanting to go that has kids can leave them with me. Credentials provided at the door!
I'm really just looking forward to meeting more Jatraqueros.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
If we need a babysitter, my daughter is awesome at that, and will happily help. She will be with me.
Farmgirl
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I'm coming. Is there anyone I can carpool with? I'd be willing to pay gas, but I'm not comfortable driving in a big city. I live in Southern Indiana and could meet people in Indianapolis if that would be easier for people.
Posted by CalvinMaker (Member # 2032) on :
quote:Swing dancing is so 1998.
Oh yeah? Your Mom's so 1998. Err, yeah.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
swing dancing (Noah) 1000 ideas in an hour (Jenny) karoeke (Nathan)
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
Actually, I'm giving a good friend a ride to Indianapolis (not too far out of my way...) so, yeah, you could jump in with me after I drop her off.
Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
Pssh, forget you. I can't sing worth beans.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
quote:I haven't absolutely decided whether or not to bring the other 2 kiddies.
Boon, your other two kiddies are wonderful. I hope they get to come. Of course, if you were hoping this was going to be a break for a day or so...
Can't wait to meet the new arrival!
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
I just wanted to jump in and say I'm already in the Chicago area and will be willing to help make arrangements on this end. I'm not sure yet if I'll be in town when it happens. There's a possibility I'll be going to Germany for a trip this summer.
I figure I'll just commute in and out - I'm mostly looking forward to hanging out with people. Definitely not a dancer of any kind - and Diane's the only singer in the family - she actually recorded a tape that still sells. (It's a specialty market, though.)
AJ and whomever - let me know what I can do.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
Well, if I do bring my older kids, I'll be bringing my dad too...who happens to have a professional Karaoke setup including over $5000 worth of CDs. Remember, it doesn't matter how well you can (or can't) carry a tune, just that you share your voice! Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
You say that now...
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Swing dancing again. Or ballroom. Or both.
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
I don't remember if it's come up, but people should be aware that Chicago has some of the best jazz and blues talent in the country. Lots of clubs to go to for pretty cheap.
Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
<------ is an excellent lindy hopper, if we swing towards swinging
We also MUST have a Hatrack talent show. This can include karaoke.
And whether it's scheduled or not, I'll be spending obscene amounts of time at the Art Institute and Field Museum.
If we want real Chicago pizza, I reccommend Gino's (downtown) where you can write on the walls!
Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
Annie, I'm pretty sure that a talent show would actually DISINCLUDE kareoke.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Make sure the karaoke has Desperado on it. That's like the universal donor of songs. ANYONE can sing that.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
Bob, he does. The database I have has 1500 songs, but it hasn't been updated since June. I'd guess he has at least 2200 different songs by now.
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Boon, that'd be great, thank you so much. Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
I'd be up for the blues and jazz bars! I had a great time at those bars in NYC and at Larry's here in Seattle!
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Da Blues.
Posted by Bob the Lawyer (Member # 3278) on :
It doesn't really matter what you guys do, I'll probably still be travelling on my European passport and find myself stopped at the boarder and then deported to Scotland.
Woo! Free trip to Scotland! Ach!
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
I like the idea of keeping the talent show and kareoke separate.
Because of what Nathan said. The talent show is for those who have something to show off. Kareoke would be... much more relaxed. Maybe just an open mike night? That would cover everything.
Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :
I'm really hoping I get to be in town when this happens. I also want to be clear I'm just throwing out options for people. I live here. So as far as I'm concerned, I'll go with what out-of-towners have as their priorities.
Heck, I even understand the popularity of the Sears Tower. I've been there. Once. Can't laugh at the urge I've felt myself. Posted by Mama Squirrel (Member # 4155) on :
Vacation time has been approved. Tickets have not yet been bought, but they are in the works.
Karaoke would be great. Boon, if the collection includes "From this Moment On" from Shania Twain (duet version), you all might get to hear a Mama and Pop duet (we sang it at our wedding reception).
Definitely a Cubs game. I would never forgive myself if I spent time in Chicago without taking in a game.
-Mama
Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
quote:Make sure the karaoke has Desperado on it. That's like the universal donor of songs. ANYONE can sing that.
It would be cool to hear someone sing that song like Elmer Fudd. "Deeespuhwaaaaaaaaaaaahdoooooooooo..."
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
Wait a minute, WHEN exactly is this gathering?
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
August 13-15
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
We on for NYC, Kama?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Ok I'm trying to look for hotels closer in to the city. I'm searching on the travel engines. Clearly with 30+ people we should be able to negotiate some discounts but I doubt it would be more than $10.
So far hotels in the nearer suburbs are running about $80/night for quadruple occupancy. 80/4=20 20*2 is $40 which isn't really horrid. But being personally cheap that is more than I'd like to pay. And when we start looking at a family with little ones that means it would be $160 for two nights for the Meese.
AJ
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
I know that hostels in NYC have 16-bed dorms for pretty cheap.
Maybe the same in Chicago for those of us with lower lodging requirements? Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Sure we are, Frisco.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Probably the best place to go other than Arlington Heights would be directly around O'Hare though other than the hotels, that is a fairly grubby industrial area with the plane exhaust and everything. But, it has extremely easy access into the city.
The O'Hare Ramada is $68/night for quad occupancy.
AJ
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Did you decide on coming before or after the Con?
Email me sometime, or my super-secret AIM SN is FriscoGoneWild.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I need feedback here, how much will you (any Jatraquero) actually be able to afford for the lodging?
I'll look for hostels too. But hostels probably won't have the meeting rooms that everyone with previous experience agrees are necessary.
AJ
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
True, and I don't think I'd want to miss out on any of the antics by being split from the group.
Quads aren't bad, anyway.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
The hostels are all in relatively decent locations relative to downtown. However you are looking there at $20-$25 per person per night, in a mostly dormatory setting, sometimes you are sharing a bed. Several do have a "community" room and all appear to encourage group reservations.
But the price break isn't that much different. The difference would be that we would be much closer to the "heart" of Chicago than in hotel in a near suburb.
[ February 26, 2004, 11:16 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
My opinion? Ummm...meeting rooms are a MUST, and I think smaller rooms would be better, especially for those of us with kids.
Also, I'll be driving my van, which has 7 seat belts, and we could squeeze in a few more if we needed to. It's a big Ford E-150 Econoline.
I can understand not being able to afford the Hilton, but surely there's some sort of compromise? I don't think $250 for the 3 nights I plan to be there is totally unreasonable, and I have no objections to people camping out on my hotel room floor. Just don't expect me to give up the bed!!! Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Even the Motel 6s are running $50-$60 per night for quad occupancy in the sububurbs, and not many of them have meeting rooms.
AJ
Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
So.... many..... people.... ::panicky::
::deep breaths::
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
don't worry, kid, i got your back.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*pat pats Nathan* It's okay, sweetie. We'll keep the dance to a closed set.
Added: Heh. celia, I'm willing to take a shift. Just let me know. *twinkles*
[ February 26, 2004, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
*hoses kat down with silly string*
see?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*tosses a pillow at celia*
Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
5 more posts celia. Don't let it slip past.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
i know, i need jon to start posting so i can take part in the tradition.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
by the way, when i get to 2999, i'm swapping to thunder's core and using it until you swap back to T_Smith. for all celia posts. even the ones where i blatantly flirt. even the ones on the gay marriage threads.
two more posts Posted by celia600 (Member # 5605) on :
go on. make my day.
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
Oh, please. Like you dressed up as me can do me nearly the character damage of me dressed up as you.
1 more.
edit: 2003? wow, that's planning!
[ February 26, 2004, 02:27 PM: Message edited by: celia60 ]
Posted by celia600 (Member # 5605) on :
darn, i hate it when you're right.
edit: ya, tell me about it.
[ February 26, 2004, 02:29 PM: Message edited by: celia600 ]
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
why don't you be a good boy and hand that name over before i am forced to do something we'll both regret.
Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :
But... but... Posted by Thunder's Core Smith (Member # 6234) on :
Mmmm...new name smell.
Don't it just make you tingly?
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*thwaps celia* You've derailed my thread! That was the problem with the last one and why it got unmanageable.
Don't worry, I still love you! AJ
Posted by Thunder's Core Smith (Member # 6234) on :
Nathan started it!
Posted by aka (Member # 139) on :
I just wanted to point out that Jatra-kama-cago-con is a brilliant name for it.
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